"They are looking at me for leadership. So I am trying to bring it here for them," says Imhotep's Parrish Grant. (Photo Credit: DAVID SWANSON)

By Keith Pompey (Inquirer Columnist)

Parrish Grant is a champion.These days, Grant is a senior point guard for the Imhotep Charter boys’ basketball team. But around Southeastern Pennsylvania, the 18-year-old is recognized for his exploits at Prep Charter.

Grant was a member of Huskies’ back-to-back Class AA state championship teams during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Prep Charter also won the Philadelphia Public League title during his sophomore campaign.

After transferring to Imhotep, the North Philly native hopes to help the Panthers win a state title.

The District 1 prospect took time to chat about the possibility of winning another state title with a different team.

Question: How has the adjustment been for you on a new team?

Answer: It’s been great. My teammates are showing me a lot of love. It’s just like it was at Prep Charter.

Q: What is your role on this team?

A: The guys on the team look at me as a leader, because as a sophomore I won the state and Public League titles. So they are looking at me for leadership. So I am trying to bring it here for them.

Q: Does this team possess the same hunger and desire of those championship-winning Prep Charter squads?

A: Yes. . . . We try to come out and outwork our opponents every game.

Q: What separates the Panthers from this season’s other state-championship hopefuls?